My favorite Silver Surfer issue was the one that introduced Mephisto. It was blatant in its allegory of the Surfer as Christ, complete with the temptations in the desert. There's this one splash page of Mephisto on his throne that is just unforgettable.
Y’all should check out the the Silver Surfer animated series (it’s on Disney+) if you haven’t. An underrated gem, uses Kirby’s designs, super psychedelic animation, and some very star trekky psuedo-philosophical sci fi goodness. Just skip the origin episodes
Thanks for that, that's the first time I've seen that comic since the seventies. I bought it when it first came out and I was about ten years old. I walked into my local newsagents (I'm from London) and in the racks were Silver Surfer No.1 and a copy of Paris Match which had the first ever pictures of the moon shot from Apollo 8 with that classic 'Earthrise' image on the cover - I only had my pocket money and I was torn between which mag to buy. I was so excited with the moon mission that I decided on the Paris Match mag. When I got it home it was all written in French and the photos were grainy black and white, so I took it back to the shop and swapped it for the Silver Surfer first issue. I was always very disappointed that Buscema did the artwork as I was a total Kirby freak even back then, but I treasured the comic and kept it in my collection. When I left school and went off travelling, on my return I discovered that my mother had thrown all my comics away - "you didn't want them old comics did you?" she said. I was gutted, and as you can see from this story, I still bear the scars to this day. :-D
Its kinda amazing to me- as a Bronze-ager, I missed those original Silver Surfer appearances, (although everyone knew who he was from appearances in Defenders and elsewhere) and didn't realize that the Silver Surfer "feet of clay" origin really came so much later. We just took every comic as canon. Now I see the incongruity ("Cosmic bummer") that Tom points out. Buscema's art is still unimpeachable in my opinion, he has that classic figure-drawing style.
Tom is exactly right about Silver Surfer, I had this comic as a reprint in Fantasy Masterpiece #1 and also had #3 that features the first appearance of Mephisto. The artwork of Buscema is amazing. But my favorite of the original series is # 18 the last issue of this series penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Herb Trimpe, this has one of the most iconic last page splash that really expressed through the Silver Surfer Kirby’s anger at Marvel
Galactus removed the Surfers humanity and memories when he made Norin Rad into the Surfer so he wouldn’t have any guilt issues with finding planets for Galactus to eat. That’s why he was so naive.
Not only is it a mundane origin; it's redundant. First we read of the Surfer in the Fantastic Four becoming a hero when he sacrifices himself to save the Earth. Then in his origin he becomes a hero by sacrificing himself to save his home planet. This trivializes both events and makes the Surfer look like the victim of a fugue state.
You are saying exactly what my 11 year old couldn't articulate at the time. Going from Kirby's Essential FF to Buscema's Essential Silver Surfer was just a disapointing whiplash.
Man, Buscema's artwork sells the story. Very enlightening discussion fellas. (as usual =) This story is Stan Lee at his corny best. (not withstanding his fondness for big legged nursing home attendants.) But I have to give a little doubtful benefit to Stan's......commitment to, as Tom mentioned, this sort of archetype? Stan' soap box indeed. I would love to see what direction Kirby would have taken the Surfer. Hey, There's an idea for you Tom. =)
I'm ok with Stan Lee pontificating with the Surfer. Its not like he does it with every hero so why not have one where he stretches out a little. In fact, as a kid, I loved the philosophical bent the Surfer comics had. It made them special to me and more adult than a lot of the other titles. I agree that the origin itself is a little mundane, but I didn't really care so much. The surfer's always been my favorite Marvel character and if the origin isn't the best, well, hey, you can't win 'em all. I'm just thankful he exists! And as much as I love Kirby, John is pretty much my favorite bronze age Marvel artist, along with Gil Kane and Bernie Wrightson. Sad to hear about the friction John doing the series caused, though.
My recollection from hearing about this Lee/Buscema Silver Surfer comic run was that the reason the stories were so thin is because Lee was leaning on Buscema to come up with story content the way Kirby, Ditko, Heck and Romita were able for Lee. I always felt the blow up between Lee and Buscema over the Silver Surfer #4 was over the story Buscema gave Lee, not the actual quality of the art...because the art was superb. Buscema just wasn't able to carry Lee and make him look good. Wally Wood and Joe Orlando also had that problem with Lee and didn't take it but John Buscema just rolled with it and did the best he could. I still like that Surfer run but I agree with Tom, it killed what Kirby had intended for the Silver Surfer.
You guys are great man, I was the only one defending Rob liefeld back in the day... there's something about his storytelling that was pure action... and I love Todd McFarlane stuff... but Rob's energy showed up on those pages.
Yes, Stan himself is on record saying that the Silver Surfer was a surprise from Kirby.....Stan wanted a big evil villain Galactus, and Jack thought he needed a herald.
Excellent discussion! It might be interesting to look at the Marvel characters from the Silver Age that FAILED to catch on in their own books. In addition to The Silver Surfer, I'm specifically thinking of The Inhumans but are there others?
Tom's criticism reminded me of Kirby's insight that 'the most important part of telling a story is telling the story.' th-cam.com/video/1t7TnnMFl5s/w-d-xo.html
The Beatles did great solo work... But never as magical as they did together. I actually like this entire 18 issue series....but it would've been better if Lee had worked with Kirby. I also think the Eternals would've been better with Lee's input. Please note: I am not saying Kirby didn't write great or that Buscema didn't pencil great. There was something special in the collaboration of Lee and Kirby.
I have been listening to you guys videos for months already, great stuff. Keep up the good work guys. I just feel like you guys are not a big fun of John Buscema, and I don't get it. The guys is a master, come on. There's so much stuff of him out there, and you guys never did a video about his art and style. His is very dynamic, alive, realistic... loose strokes/ lines. I just don't understand you guys at all about it. It seems you guys love jack kirby, ok he was very dynamic. But please His anatomy sucked big time. Anyways, read , make more comics.
....it is true folly to judge those past stories by today's standards; they were produced for a certain demographic, and when they didn't sell at the news stand, BOOM right into the walls for insulation. Just wait another twenty years for THOSE comics fans to haggle over YOUR works. PEACE family of the Pen.
I wouldn't be too overcritical of Stan Lee ruining the story of the Silver Surfer. I had this odd Deja Vu, when I read his Fourth World, and saw his concept of the Black Racer. There is some funny similarities. Kirby was a genius artist, but not the greatest writer.
My favorite Silver Surfer issue was the one that introduced Mephisto. It was blatant in its allegory of the Surfer as Christ, complete with the temptations in the desert. There's this one splash page of Mephisto on his throne that is just unforgettable.
Love the passion that Tom Scioli brings to every Kayfabe session, you guys make a great team.
Y’all should check out the the Silver Surfer animated series (it’s on Disney+) if you haven’t. An underrated gem, uses Kirby’s designs, super psychedelic animation, and some very star trekky psuedo-philosophical sci fi goodness. Just skip the origin episodes
My favourite artist of all time, the great John Buscema.
Thanks for that, that's the first time I've seen that comic since the seventies. I bought it when it first came out and I was about ten years old. I walked into my local newsagents (I'm from London) and in the racks were Silver Surfer No.1 and a copy of Paris Match which had the first ever pictures of the moon shot from Apollo 8 with that classic 'Earthrise' image on the cover - I only had my pocket money and I was torn between which mag to buy. I was so excited with the moon mission that I decided on the Paris Match mag. When I got it home it was all written in French and the photos were grainy black and white, so I took it back to the shop and swapped it for the Silver Surfer first issue. I was always very disappointed that Buscema did the artwork as I was a total Kirby freak even back then, but I treasured the comic and kept it in my collection. When I left school and went off travelling, on my return I discovered that my mother had thrown all my comics away - "you didn't want them old comics did you?" she said. I was gutted, and as you can see from this story, I still bear the scars to this day. :-D
I think Buscema is SEVERELY underrated as an artist.
Both brothers!
I think that Jim Starlin and Ron Lim had the best run on silver surfer. Love that stuff leading into the infinity gauntlet
Its kinda amazing to me- as a Bronze-ager, I missed those original Silver Surfer appearances, (although everyone knew who he was from appearances in Defenders and elsewhere) and didn't realize that the Silver Surfer "feet of clay" origin really came so much later. We just took every comic as canon. Now I see the incongruity ("Cosmic bummer") that Tom points out. Buscema's art is still unimpeachable in my opinion, he has that classic figure-drawing style.
Tom is exactly right about Silver Surfer, I had this comic as a reprint in Fantasy Masterpiece #1 and also had #3 that features the first appearance of Mephisto. The artwork of Buscema is amazing. But my favorite of the original series is # 18 the last issue of this series penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Herb Trimpe, this has one of the most iconic last page splash that really expressed through the Silver Surfer Kirby’s anger at Marvel
That one is always been memorable for me as well.
One of the best comics ever made! Have it, love it, will keep it as long as I can.
The ultimate John Buscema comic? Silver Surfer #4
Galactus removed the Surfers humanity and memories when he made Norin Rad into the Surfer so he wouldn’t have any guilt issues with finding planets for Galactus to eat. That’s why he was so naive.
Newsprint comics are where these back issues shine
Not only is it a mundane origin; it's redundant. First we read of the Surfer in the Fantastic Four becoming a hero when he sacrifices himself to save the Earth. Then in his origin he becomes a hero by sacrificing himself to save his home planet. This trivializes both events and makes the Surfer look like the victim of a fugue state.
DAMN. Some great information as always. Love to see you guys tackle Savage Sword of Conan with big John!
One of my favourite John Buscema comics is Wolverine: bloody choices, and anything from Savage sword of conan inked by alfredo alcala
You are saying exactly what my 11 year old couldn't articulate at the time. Going from Kirby's Essential FF to Buscema's Essential Silver Surfer was just a disapointing whiplash.
Thanks for the insight The Surfer was my favorite cosmic character. Now I feel like a little silly for enjoying his origin story.
Man, Buscema's artwork sells the story. Very enlightening discussion fellas. (as usual =) This story is Stan Lee at his corny best. (not withstanding his fondness for big legged nursing home attendants.) But I have to give a little doubtful benefit to Stan's......commitment to, as Tom mentioned, this sort of archetype? Stan' soap box indeed. I would love to see what direction Kirby would have taken the Surfer. Hey, There's an idea for you Tom. =)
I'm ok with Stan Lee pontificating with the Surfer. Its not like he does it with every hero so why not have one where he stretches out a little. In fact, as a kid, I loved the philosophical bent the Surfer comics had. It made them special to me and more adult than a lot of the other titles. I agree that the origin itself is a little mundane, but I didn't really care so much. The surfer's always been my favorite Marvel character and if the origin isn't the best, well, hey, you can't win 'em all. I'm just thankful he exists! And as much as I love Kirby, John is pretty much my favorite bronze age Marvel artist, along with Gil Kane and Bernie Wrightson. Sad to hear about the friction John doing the series caused, though.
If Disney owned the rights to the Leone/Eastwood “Man With No Name” westerns, we’d know the man’s name.
My recollection from hearing about this Lee/Buscema Silver Surfer comic run was that the reason the stories were so thin is because Lee was leaning on Buscema to come up with story content the way Kirby, Ditko, Heck and Romita were able for Lee. I always felt the blow up between Lee and Buscema over the Silver Surfer #4 was over the story Buscema gave Lee, not the actual quality of the art...because the art was superb. Buscema just wasn't able to carry Lee and make him look good. Wally Wood and Joe Orlando also had that problem with Lee and didn't take it but John Buscema just rolled with it and did the best he could. I still like that Surfer run but I agree with Tom, it killed what Kirby had intended for the Silver Surfer.
You guys are great man, I was the only one defending Rob liefeld back in the day... there's something about his storytelling that was pure action... and I love Todd McFarlane stuff... but Rob's energy showed up on those pages.
I had read somewhere that Buscema was going over Kirby breakdowns for the first few issues. The first fully Buscema illustrated issue is number 4
Yes, Stan himself is on record saying that the Silver Surfer was a surprise from Kirby.....Stan wanted a big evil villain Galactus, and Jack thought he needed a herald.
Excellent discussion! It might be interesting to look at the Marvel characters from the Silver Age that FAILED to catch on in their own books. In addition to The Silver Surfer, I'm specifically thinking of The Inhumans but are there others?
Great video, especially for new creators on what NOT to do, lol
I love this book personally I was all about the pontificating
Yeah Scioli is right..but that Buscema art..beautiful 😍
Great video. Maybe Tom Shioli can come up with a proper Jack Kirby like Silver Surfer origin. That would be interesting.
Hell yeah! Would absolutely read a Silver Surfer issue 1 by Tom Scioli
13:13 if you don't like the book why don't you roll it up real tight and....
Tom's criticism reminded me of Kirby's insight that 'the most important part of telling a story is telling the story.'
th-cam.com/video/1t7TnnMFl5s/w-d-xo.html
Sound and fury, signifying nothing
The Beatles did great solo work...
But never as magical as they did together.
I actually like this entire 18 issue series....but it would've been better if Lee had worked with Kirby.
I also think the Eternals would've been better with Lee's input.
Please note: I am not saying Kirby didn't write great or that Buscema didn't pencil great.
There was something special in the collaboration of Lee and Kirby.
I have been listening to you guys videos for months already, great stuff. Keep up the good work guys.
I just feel like you guys are not a big fun of John Buscema, and I don't get it. The guys is a master, come on.
There's so much stuff of him out there, and you guys never did a video about his art and style.
His is very dynamic, alive, realistic... loose strokes/ lines.
I just don't understand you guys at all about it.
It seems you guys love jack kirby, ok he was very dynamic. But please His anatomy sucked big time.
Anyways, read , make more comics.
I love buscema's work on Conan
Why are you talking down on a wonderful issue like that ?
....it is true folly to judge those past stories by today's standards; they were produced for a certain demographic, and when they didn't sell at the news stand, BOOM right into the walls for insulation. Just wait another twenty years for THOSE comics fans to haggle over YOUR works. PEACE family of the Pen.
I wouldn't be too overcritical of Stan Lee ruining the story of the Silver Surfer. I had this odd Deja Vu, when I read his Fourth World, and saw his concept of the Black Racer. There is some funny similarities. Kirby was a genius artist, but not the greatest writer.
The SoyBoi Surfer. Stan said he never understood why Jack left Marvel to join DC. This maybe one clue.
Why soyboi? I did not understand.